Overview

The chilling real-life crime that inspired a rock 'n' roll classic. Seventy-five years ago, in the winter of 1951, a young hitchhiker named Billy Cook set off on a brutal cross-country killing spree that shocked the nation. Over the course of several harrowing days, Cook left a trail of terror stretching from Missouri to California and beyond, targeting unsuspecting Good Samaritans who offered him a ride. His cold-blooded crimes captured headlines, terrified travelers, and led to one of the most intense manhunts at that time in American history. More than two decades later, the haunting legacy of Billy Cook would echo through popular culture-most notably in the eerie lyrics and mood of The Doors' iconic 1971 song, Riders on the Storm. Part true crime thriller, part historical chronicle, Riders on the Storm uncovers the full story behind Cook's rampage and the devastating impact of his actions on the families of his victims. Drawing from original court documents, eyewitness accounts, and contemporary reporting, this gripping account brings to life one of the darkest chapters in mid-century American crime. Perfect for fans of In Cold Blood, Helter Skelter, and Mindhunter, this is a must-read for true crime aficionados and classic rock historians alike.

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Reviews

Sherri Kukla's novel traces the path of terror forged by a young parolee named Billy Cook in the winter of 1950-1951. As he was released from prison, he uttered the ominous words: ""I'm going to live by the gun and roam."" His brutal reign of murder and kidnapping stretched across hundreds of miles from Oklahoma to Southern California to Mexico. Kukla's book chronicles the nationwide manhunt that involved hundreds of civilians and law enforcement officials in two countries, detailing the emotional toll on all those involved in the search for the young psychopath. Her writing is taut and emotional as she places the reader in the shoes of the innocent victims. She cleverly depicts Cook as a violent ghost- almost an amorphous monster who terrorizes without remorse, who kills without compunction, and ultimately who accepts his own final destiny. Kukla's prose is clean; the narrative is dramatically compelling; and she spares little detail in the trail of Cook's terror. This account is a must-read for all fans of real-crime stories. If there's a lesson here, it is this: If you ever come across a hitchhiker on the road, don't stop. - Poli Flores Jr, award-winning author, trial attorney, and judge. Imperial County, California Once I started reading, I had a hard time setting the book down. Sherri Kukla has a way of writing that brings all the characters to life. This book is based on a true story. The depiction of Missouri State Penitentiary is accurate. It was a violent place. I recommend this book to anyone who loves true stories and true crime stories. - Harvey Seidel, Harvey Talks Prison YouTube channel Riders on the Storm reveals the true and tragic story of Billy Cook, the hitchhiker whose 1951 murder spree crossed several states and bewildered law enforcement. Drawing on court transcripts and conversations with people who knew the killer and victims, Sherri Kukla captures both the humanity and horror behind one of America's haunting crimes. - CASSY KERR, CSR-OK, CCR-KS, CCR-AR, RPR, CRR, CRC, U.S. federal stenographer

Author Information

Sherri Kukla is is a fan of mysteries, both reading them and writing. She is the author of MotoMysteries, a faith-based mystery series for middle grade kids and the Dry Brook mystery series for adult readers. She is also the co-founder and publisher, along with her husband, Steve, of S&S Off Road Magazine. Sherri and Steve met and married as teenagers. They're not sure where the time went, but over 50 adventurous years have passed. They have four children and three grandchildren.

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